A soldier was reportedly riding on the dedicated BRT lane of the Ikorodu Road, when he was knocked down by a BRT bus around Obanikoro bus stop. It was gathered that the driver fled from the scene, and in no time there was a mobilization of soldiers, who upon arrival unleashed mayhem by smashing BRT buses and causing traffic gridlock on both sides of the highway. The ensuing pandemonium left many injured, private vehicles destroyed and crippled commercial activities in Lagos city.
Moreover, this kind of rampage has become the typical reaction of officers of the armed forces whenever any mishap befalls them in a civilian setting, irrespective of their state of culpability. It is for this reason that the army’s public relation’s statements that the mayhem was caused by “Area Boys” should be taken lightly.
The wilful vandalization of public property is an unlawful act. It is arson, an offence punishable under relevant provisions of the penal code. As the governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola, rightly pointed out, this is a disappointing phenomenon. It is gravely irresponsible considering the fact that this vandalization was carried out by public servants who are paid with tax-payers’ money.
By this unjustified expression of fury, the soldiers have brought the army into disrepute for exacerbating an already bad situation. Either for retribution or in solidarity with the killed colleague, their action was a mockery of the admonition that two wrongs don’t make a right. But because soldiers are perceived as flagrant abusers of the law whenever they are in dispute with civilian parties, they continually relive, in the mind of the public, the widely held opinion that they are averse to the civilized procedure of reasoned resolution of conflict. In the wisdom of certain legal authorities, the soldiers would get stiffer penalties knowing full well that they are supposed to be guardians of the society against breaches of peace and order.
One of the hallmarks of the military decorum, is the establishment’s predilection for discipline and unrivalled obedience to the sanctity of the state as an organised body headed by a constituted authority. This tamely demeanour and prized chivalry that endow the soldier with patience and long-suffering for the common good, appeared to have taken flight going by the cavalier showmanship, intemperate feistiness and waywardness that characterized the response of the soldiers in this case.
However, a certain reckless attitude is not restricted to soldiers, it is also displayed by drivers of the BRT buses. It is not uncommon to see drivers of these buses threatening other road users by wilfully ramming on their vehicles and causing panic situations that endanger the lives of pedestrians and other drivers. Their close affinity with a government agency has emboldened them to act with impunity and reckless abandon; after all, in the typical Nigerian setting the driver of the government shares in the power of that government. In spite of this, the onus of greater tolerance lies on the soldiers because of their training and status in the society.
Nigerians and particularly Lagosians must understand the essence of the Bus Rapid Transport system. Lagos, as the commercial nerve centre of the country, demands a transportation system that would make movements within the metropolis faster, less stressful, enhance the well-being of its dwellers and promote productivity. If the BRT system is thus understood as beneficial in solving transportation problem of Lagosians, people would appreciate the need for the BRT lane to be a dedicated lane on the highway for free-flowing movement of the BRT buses. This system is not peculiar to Nigeria; it is the practice in highly urbanized cities with problems of vehicular traffic.
To check the abuse of the dedicated lanes by BRT drivers and unauthorized users, there is need for effective monitoring. Besides the occasional patrol by the metropolitan authorities, electronic devices such as caution signs should be erected at diversion points to slow down the BRT buses.
Trespassing the BRT lanes or violating any traffic regulation of the land is not a perquisite for those in power or a privilege of any uniformed official. By the same token, the fact that drivers of the BRT buses are given access to the free-flowing lanes of the highways does not invest them with any power to drive recklessly, and be uncharitable to other road users. Theirs is to serve and contribute to the development of the metropolis through proper management of the infrastructure that make life meaningful and rewarding for the people. Thus, whether it is the drivers or soldiers, nobody should take the law into their hands. Anybody who breaks the law should face the consequences of that infringement.
THE GUARDIAN
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